Storing stuff: the patio can be used for storing stuff that you can't find any other space to store inside of the house. But it is essential to differentiate 'storage' from 'dumping' of stuff into the patio. Sometimes, through the use of innovative furniture (such as the so-called 'storage benches'), it is possible to keep stuff inside of the patio whilst still preserving space for other uses, such as relaxation and growing of patio plants.

Growing plants: there are many of us who find ourselves with homes that have no gardens, but who still endeavor to grow some domestic plants. And whilst there are some indoors plants that can be grown, these don't tend to provide the 'image' we yearn for: which in most cases can only be provided by outdoors plants, grown with natural light and integrated to the natural surroundings. In the absence of a garden, the patio would be the ideal place to grow such plants. A patio tends to be semi-enclosed, meaning that the plants will get natural light and be growing in a natural setting (save for the fact that they may have to be potted). And the most beautiful thing here is the fact that using the patio to grow such plants wouldn't make it unsuitable for other purposes. If anything, it is one of the things you may need to do, in rehabilitating it to make it suitable for other purposes such as relaxing.

The shape of patio that you choose will depend on your design and the shape and size of your garden. Patios should look natural and flow with the overall design of your garden. Patios can be raised, flat, square, rectangle, round the list is endless. Rectangle and square patios tend to be more traditional and fit into spaces well, so if you have a smaller garden it is often better to choose a patio with straight edges. If you have a bit more space, then you might want to consider a patio with curves to create a soft flowing look.